How to Choose an Auto Repair Marketing Company: 10 Questions to Ask
Published by AutoPilot Media Team · 2026-10-05
10 questions to ask before signing
- Do you work with auto repair or collision shops specifically? Can I talk to one?
- How do you measure results — clicks, or calls and repairs?
- Do I own my website, domain, Google Business Profile and ad accounts?
- Is my ad spend separate from your fee, and can I see it?
- Are leads exclusive to my shop?
- What's included every month, in plain language?
- How fast will leads reach me, and how do you handle missed calls?
- What does the contract look like, and how do I cancel?
- Who is my point of contact, and how often will we talk?
- What results should I realistically expect in the first 90 days?
Red flags
- Guaranteed #1 rankings on Google
- They own your website or ad account and won't hand it over
- Reports full of impressions and clicks but no calls
- Reviews or case studies you can't verify
Agency vs. pay-per-lead vs. DIY
An agency builds and runs your system; a pay-per-lead company sells you calls; DIY saves money but costs time. We compare the first two in Pay-Per-Lead vs. Owning Your Own Lead System.
Know your numbers first
Before you talk to anyone, know your average ticket and how many cars you can take on. Body shop tickets average $3,500–$5,500 and qualified calls run $20–$40 each — the numbers we see across the collision shops we serve — and that's what lets you judge whether a proposal makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
How much do auto repair marketing companies charge?
Pricing ranges widely, from flat monthly fees to per-lead pricing. Always confirm whether ad spend is included or separate.
Should I sign a long-term marketing contract?
Look for clear cancellation terms and make sure you own your website and accounts no matter what.